UFC on Fuel TV 2 Preview: The Main Card

Thiago vs. Bahadurzada

The Matchup: Thiago faced a murderer’s row of
170-pound talent to begin his UFC career, squaring off with the
likes of Josh
Koscheck, Jon Fitch,
Mike
Swick, Martin
Kampmann and Diego
Sanchez before being granted something of a reprieve against
David
Mitchell at UFC 134. There the Brazilian was in fine form,
getting takedowns, hunting for submissions and executing
ground-and-pound en route to a unanimous nod.

As a former Top-10 welterweight, Thiago represents a stern test for
Octagon newcomer Bahadurzada. A former Shooto light
heavyweight champion, the Afghanistan native enters the UFC riding
a six-fight tear, including four straight by knockout or technical
knockout. The
Golden Glory representative has tasted defeat only twice since
2005, to Kazuo Misaki
and Jorge
Santiago under the Sengoku banner.

A recent winner of the United Glory 2010-2011 welterweight grand
prix, Bahadurzada favors a frenzied pace on the feet. He throws
punches with authority but often leaves himself open to counters.
Thiago prefers a more measured approach, and when opponents rush
him he is capable stepping in with power punches. Sanchez was able
to overwhelm Thiago with his relentless pressure and pace,
however.

On the mat, Thiago has a significant advantage. While Bahadurzada
will work and throw punches inside an opponent’s guard, he can also
get sloppy and leave himself vulnerable to submissions, as he did
against Tommy
Depret in his most recent bout. Such an error will not be
forgiven by Thiago, who is at another level on the ground. The
Constrictor Team product is composed on the floor, rarely makes
the wrong decision and also understands how to escape from trouble.
He’s also solid at creating scrambles and reversing position off of
attempted takedowns.

The Pick: Bahadurzada is an entertaining striker
and will bring high-level action for as long as he lasts, but
Thiago is a tough draw for a debut. Eventually the Brazilian will
capitalize on a Bahadurzada miscue and get the submission in round
three.